Empowering Philadelphia’s Unsung Heroes: How Medicaid Supports Family Caregivers in the City of Brotherly Love

Family Caregivers

How Medicaid Supports Family Caregivers Philadelphia, PA 

According to one statistic, as many as one in five Americans are family caregivers. You may be part of this group as a Medicaid Family Caregiver in Philadelphia, PA. It’s undeniable that caring for a family member is one of the most rewarding experiences. You can provide them quality care from the comfort of their own home and care from someone they know and trust. In most cases, the same level of compassionate support and familiarity just isn’t attainable through a caregiving service. While there are many capable and highly skilled caregivers out there, receiving caregiving from a family member or loved one is often the best way to put everyone at ease.

However, as enjoyable as spending quality time with and caring for your family member is, the choice to do so isn’t always easy. The impacts of family caregiving can range from emotional concerns to financial stressors. Family caregivers often pour a lot of resources into caring for a loved one. They put in a lot of hours, which can mean long commutes around their work schedule or giving up a career entirely. Some may choose to sacrifice portions of their income or savings to help cover the cost of medical equipment or transportation. These things can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining.

These effects of family caregiving don’t go unnoticed, though. Fortunately, there are various programs available that may be able to help family caregivers financially.

 

Is It Possible to Use Medicaid for a Family Caregiver in Philadelphia, PA? 

Family caregivers in Philadelphia, PA, can often use Medicaid to receive payment for caring for a loved one. In fact, Medicaid Waivers, or Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, are among the most common resources used by residents. The program is also referred to as 1915 (c) Waivers or Section 1115 Waivers. In all, the state offers approximately ten support service waivers for caretaking.

In Philadelphia, these waivers can help pay for care services for individuals who are not residents of a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living center. Support services covered by the federal government program include assistance with daily living activities, such as dressing and bathing, as well as household chores.

 

Designating a Family Member as a Caregiver in Philadelphia, PA 

Although there are some stipulations, the recipient of the Medicaid funds can generally use the money to pay a familial caregiver for home care services. In some cases, the dependent family member must be over 18 years of age to select their relative as their caregiver. Then, they can oversee schedules and timesheets, but a fiscal agency will manage payments to the caregiver.

There are eligibility requirements and certain steps the caregiver must take. For example, the recipient may need to work with a case manager in their county to determine how much care is needed and what the budget should be for those services. Then, from that budget, they can pay their family member instead of receiving care support directly from the state.

 

Taking Advantage of Home Care Agencies in Philadelphia, PA 

Although the family member needing care may not want to receive services from a caregiving agency, the agency may still be able to help them pay a family caregiver. For example, AmeriBest HomeCare can help family caregivers in Philadelphia, PA. 

There are programs available that provide training to become a caregiver, such as the self-directed personal assistant program, the Structured Family Caregiving program, or Community HealthChoices. These programs typically compensate individuals who give in-home care to their loved ones while educating them on how to provide the best support possible.

A home care agency like AmeriBest can hire a familial caregiver. They will then become a general company employee, receiving both paychecks and benefits. The care recipient can choose their family member as their caregiver through the company. Still, they will not have to be responsible for compensation.

It’s important to note there are eligibility requirements, such as income limits, physician certification, the prohibition of a spouse as a caregiver, and program parameters.

 

Can Medicare be Used for Family Caregivers Living in Philadelphia, PA?

The government health care insurance plan, Medicare, does not pay for long-term care services, including in-home care support, and does not offer reimbursement for caregiving services. In some cases, the insurance plan may cover things such as transportation or meal delivery, but these offerings are limited.

 

Supports Family AmeriBest

 

Become a Medicaid Family Caregiver in Philadelphia, PA

A rewarding job like family care for a loved one shouldn’t be daunting. With the variety of programs available in Philadelphia, PA, you can find the appropriate support network for you and your family members. AmeriBest HomeCare can help you on your journey; reach out today! 

Transforming Compassion into Income: Exploring Opportunities to Get Paid to Care in Harrisburg, PA 

Medicaid Family Caregiver

Family caregiving is both rewarding and a significant responsibility. Supporting your loved one in the comfort of their own home is a valuable experience that many wish to provide for their relatives. However, it can also strain caregivers financially, emotionally, and physically.  Know that if you’re looking for ways to ease your financial burdens while providing compassionate care to your family member, you’re not alone. The unique set of concerns faced by family caregivers in Pennsylvania leaves many exploring avenues to get paid to give care in Harrisburg, PA. 

 

Ways to Get Paid to Care in Harrisburg, PA 

Medicaid is perhaps the most advantageous way to get paid for being a family caregiver in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or the surrounding area. Medicaid waivers, in particular, can be used to compensate family members caring for their disabled or elderly family members who still live at home. 

These government waivers allow the state, via home care agencies, to financially assist caregivers in providing in-home personal care and household services to individuals living outside assisted care facilities. There are various Medicaid waivers, each with its own eligibility requirements. Regardless of the type of waiver, the majority are overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

 

How Can My Family Member Become Eligible for Paid Family Caregiving in PA?

First, the relative needing care must qualify to receive payment via a Medicaid waiver. A physician who can certify that long-term support or services are needed can determine eligibility for functional requirements. Financial eligibility is set and reviewed by the state, as income limits must be met to qualify for the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Medicaid waiver. 

Once qualified, the CHC managed care program offers various plans. Working with a Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker can help you determine eligibility, enroll, and understand the services available. 

 

How Do Home Care Agencies in PA Help with Compensation?

Once your family member is confirmed to be eligible, they will need to choose a home care agency that allows the employment of family members as caregivers, like AmeriBest Home Care. The agency facilitates training, development, and ongoing support of the family caregiver to ensure they are able to provide the best care possible for their loved one. 

Additionally, the agency is responsible for payment, benefits, and continued development opportunities. Once hired, the family caregiver becomes a regular company employee and is put on the payroll just like every other staff member. 

Home care agencies in Harrisburg, PA, such as AmeriBest, provide the best of both worlds. They help ensure you have the skills and knowledge needed to provide loving and effective care to your relative. Meanwhile, they also oversee payment and benefit disbursement (if applicable), helping to relieve some of the stress from you and your loved one. 

 

How Much Compensation is Offered to Get Paid to Care in Harrisburg, PA?

The fixed rate of the Medicaid waiver payment determines compensation for family caregivers in Pennsylvania. Medicaid gives a specific amount to home care agencies that is then used to pay family caregivers. Rates can also vary by the home care agency, but most have a similar pay range. 

 

Family Caregiver AmeriBest

 

Choose a Supportive Home Care Agency; Choose AmeriBest Home Care 

Receiving compensation for supporting your relative can help relieve financial stress and allow you to fully enjoy the rewarding experience. But it is only part of the equation. Don’t choose a home care agency based on pay alone. 

It’s important to consider the training, development, and additional benefits provided by the company. AmeriBest Home Care understands the complexities and concerns of being a family caregiver. We work to empower and support family caregivers across Pennsylvania – equipping them with the resources, information, and skills they need to make paid family caregiving as easy a journey as possible. Reach out today to learn more about joining our team.

National Mental Health Month

Since 1949, May has been dubbed Mental Health Month. The goal of the designation is to reach out to people through various venues offering help and education. AmeriBest is a home care service agency in Harrisburg, PA. As part of our commitment, we work hand-in-hand with families who need assistance navigating the tumultuous waters of understanding mental health and finding effective solutions for their loved ones. 

The 2022 theme for Mental Health Month is “Back to the Basics.” After two years of living with the pandemic, many people find themselves feeling stressed, isolated, and uncertain about how to get back to some semblance of normal. This is doubly true for seniors whose support often had to remain separate due to social distancing. In-home caregiving services like those offered by AmeriBest, Harrisburg, filled some gaps by utilizing special protective uniforms so they could still be on the job.

Risks for Developing Mental Health Issues

When someone begins experiencing mental health issues, it probably has more than one root cause. Psychiatrists have created a list of risk factors for mental health. The more you have, the more likely you’re to experience one or more mental health conditions. 

  1. Genetics: Think of your genes like a map of how your entire body grows and functions. That includes the brain. So if there is a history of mental health in your family, you may have a genetic predisposition. For example, if either or both of your parents had an anxiety disorder, your risk of developing the same disorder can increase by 6 times as much at the top end. 
  1. Lifestyle: Your mom was right. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly. It’s god for your body and mind. Should you develop a mental health problem, these simple things become coping mechanisms and helpmates. 
  1. Social conditions: Where you live, work, and socialize all impact your quality of life. Individuals living in poverty, areas with high crime rates, and who have limited access to a healthy community environment illustrate more mental health problems. The amount of anxiety-centered conditions went up 20% because of isolation during Covid, for example. 
  2. Trauma: This is a big category. For example, someone in your life may have had a stroke or car accident that created limitations. That’s trauma as is the death of a loved one, being bullied for extended periods, racism, and experiencing a disaster up close and personal. 

The impact of trauma can remain with little notice until something triggers a memory. Then the world can come cascading down into a pool of tears and fears. Experiencing trauma as a child puts you at 1.3 times the risk of developing mental health problems in adulthood or senior years. 

How can You Help?

If you are a caregiver for someone with mental health problems, even part-time, there are things you can do to help them. The most important is companionship. Loneliness is a huge factor in someone developing depression, and depression can impact other aging issues including dementia. 

Motivation and intellectual activities go hand-in-hand with companionship. An idle mind is one prone to spiraling into negative thought-forms. When people are dealing with things like SAD there’s a tendency to want to simply give up. When you offer said person input at the right time and in the right way, it can make a huge improvement in their quality of life. 

Now, not everyone has the capacity to step into this type of role. There’s a lot of responsibility including paying attention to the signs that mental health is on the decline. That’s the time to reach out. Any organization participating in Mental Health Month can get you started with more tools and know-how. Alternatively (or consecutively) you can call AmeriBest’s Harrisburg, PA office at 717-545-2920 and talk to one of our professionals. 

One of the core principles of professional aid services is helping the entire family. People don’t realize that their personal mental health can be adversely impacted by a loved one’s struggles. Ours is a holistic approach. You can email us (info@ameribest.org) or use our online form for more information. 

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. As a home care agency for stroke recovery in Philadelphia, AmeriBest sees the impact of strokes on individuals and families daily. Did you know that, according to the American Heart Association, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds in the United States? It can lead to disabilities and death. The good news is that 80% of strokes can be prevented. Keep reading to learn more about stroke reasons, risks, signs, and post-stroke care in Philadelphia.

The Makings of a Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to some part of the brain becomes blocked. Alternatively, it may happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. When brain cells do not get oxygen-bearing blood, they will die. This creates a medical emergency. The sooner stroke treatments can be administered, the better chances physicians have of allaying some of the potential results. Delays in stroke treatment increase the risks of permanent brain injury or even death. 

Stroke Risks

There are a variety of factors that increase the potential for having a stroke. Some risk factors can be managed by medicine and monitoring, others cannot. If you have:

  • A history of smoking, alcoholism, or using illegal drugs
  • An abnormal heart rhythm
  • Damaged heart valves
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Hight Red Blood Count, Cholesterol, or Lipids. A high red blood count means your blood is thick, increasing the chance of clots. Cholesterol can thicken arteries
  • Obesity
  • TIA (transient ischemic attacks aka a mini-stroke) history

Then you have a higher propensity toward stroke, especially if more than one of these factors is in play. 

While strokes can happen to anyone at any time, people over 55 have twice the chance of having a stroke. Men experience strokes more often than women. One in four people who survive a stroke are at risk for another. 

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

Stroke Signs

The CDC explains the use of the FAST system to recognize the signs of a stroke.

F – Face drooping

A – Arm limp or weak

S – Speach issues, including stuttering

T – Time is of the essence – call 911 immediately.

What Can You Do?

When consulting with families in the AmeriBest Home Care Philadelphia, PA caregiver agency circle, we strive to educate everyone on ways to prevent stroke. The most important action is living a healthy lifestyle, including adjusting your meal and snack choices to more fruits and vegetables while avoiding trans fat, cholesterol, and salt. 

It’s also important to watch your weight. Obesity increases stroke risk. The BMI index is one that shows you if your weight is in a healthy range. If you know your weight and height check it here. Hand in hand with your weight comes activity. Movement helps stabilize or even decrease your weight while supporting healthy blood pressure. 

You can learn a lot and make great contacts by participating in a National Stroke Awareness event near you.

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

It can be overwhelming to care for a stroke patient while also attending to your own needs. That’s where home and community-based programs like those at AmeriBest come into the picture. We can provide your loved ones with improved safety, while also focusing on their recovery. Call the AmeriBest Home Care Philadephia office (215) 925-3313; 1-800-HOMECARE for information. You can also email info@ameribest.org, or use our online form for questions.

Home Care Agency for Stroke Recovery in Philadelphia

Get paid for caregiving with AmeriBest Home Care

Are you a compassionate personal caregiver in Harrisburg, Pa, or an empathic private duty home care aid in the Philadelphia area? Or, perhaps you’ve been thinking about a career in-home health services, and are passionate about helping people? At AmeriBest Home Care, we are always looking for people like you. 

AmeriBest ranks among the top home care agencies and in-home nursing services serving the Philadelphia area. We offer you the best-PAID training, flexibility, and career opportunities, coupled with impressive benefits. We are hiring people who want to support families and individuals who require assistance for their wellbeing and improving their overall quality of life. 

Time and again, we see caregivers finding great satisfaction in their work. You are helping people, offering companionship, and providing comfort. At AmeriBest we know company success begins with employee satisfaction and success. 

Benefits of Being a Home Health Aide

If you are not already a home care assistant, you may wonder if the job is really right for you. There are several fantastic benefits of becoming an in-home caregiver.

  1. Appreciation: When a family finally has an aide in place, the whole house sighs in relief. These people are often stressed, worried, and over-extended. An extra pair of keen eyes and skilled hands is a blessing, and people show their gratitude. 
  2. Flexibility. Agencies work with your personal schedule so you can work as much (or little) as you wish. Once you have a caseload, you work with the patients and family for a suitable schedule.
  3. Growth Potential: The healthcare industry as a whole is always growing and changing. You will learn a lot from your experiences on the job, plus any training an agency like AmerBest offers. 
  4. Rapport: Personal aids become an extension of the family. You have a chance to really know your patients in ways that hospital workers can’t. 
  5. Specialization options: Is there one type of situation/patient you prefer? You can ask for assignments fitting that goal, if available.

Employment Opportunities:

We are always on the lookout for outstanding

  • Registered Nurses
  • Speech Therapists
  • Personal Care Assistants. 

Think of your services from the client’s point of view. They don’t want to go into a facility where nothing’s familiar and strangers are constantly passing through. Being at home provides the consistency people crave. It’s reassuring. Working for AmeriBest in any of our programs means your individual’s dignity remains intact. Our clients know each person on our team is respectful, knowledgeable, and dependable. 

Career Development

We not only provide 100% paid training but want to invest in your continued growth as a caregiver. You can get courses in:

  • CPR
  • Fall risks
  • Heart disease management
  • Hoyer lift use
  • Nutrition
  • Recognizing abuse

And much more!

AmeriBest Benefits in Brief

Quality workers deserve quality benefits. We respect your efforts with suitable compensation, time off, and insurance. You’ll receive

  • Daily Pay option: You can transfer your earnings any time through an Ap that also tracks your hours.
  • Discount plan for LifeMart
  • Holidays: 7 paid holidays; time and a half for working holidays
  • Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and basic medical covered at 100%
  • Life insurance policy: $15,000, free to full-time employees
  • Monthly caregiver awards
  • Year end bonus 
  • 401K

At AmeriBest you have the security of knowing you’re working for one of the top five, most stable caregiver agencies in all of Pennsylvania. Apply today, contact us for more information, or email: info@ameribest.org

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month with the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America – Caregiving for Someone with MS 

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Month takes place in March of every year. During this time, many organizations including AmeriBest Home Care Agency in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, PA, shine a light on the struggles faced by people living with MS. In order to care for your loved one, you may find having a caregiver home health aid improves the individual’s quality of life. It also helps to learn as much as you can about how MS manifests and what you can do to make your life, or that of a loved one, better. 

An Invisible Disease

To look at a person with MS, you might never know there was anything wrong with them. The symptoms often remain invisible, and not everyone is vocal about their situation. Some days they may have a flare-up, and a week or month later the symptoms subside. It’s not a contagious condition. Researchers aren’t fully aware of the triggers for MS and continue seeking answers. 

MS A Closer Look

When a person’s immune reaction damages protective sheaths around nerves in the brain, Multiple Sclerosis begins. 

When MS appears it’s often in a young adult. Nonetheless, Multiple Sclerosis is age “blind”-it can be diagnosed at any time. There are various signs of MS, including

  • Visual changes or problems
  • Numbness
  • Bladder or digestive issues
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or joint pain

Multiple Sclerosis is rarely fatal. While new medications exist to help control the frequency of MS symptoms, there is no known cure. 

Worsening Progression

For some with MS, their condition continues to progress with more severe symptoms. As Multiple Sclerosis advances, it severely impacts every aspect of a person’s life, often shortening it by up to 7 years. Some families find it hard to help such individuals alone. 

That’s where caregiving for someone with MS can use helping hands, namely by seeking a top home care agency in their area. AmeriBest ranks highly among Home Health Aide Services in Harrisburg, PA, for our dedication, the quality of our care, and our compassionate aids. 

Consider the difficulty of attending to the safety and well-being of an individual who

  • Cannot talk or walk
  • Struggles with breathing
  • Experiences spasms or tremors
  • Has balance problems, creating a fall risk
  • Develops paralysis or partial immobility
  • Illustrates difficulty with swallowing
  • Show signs of memory loss

While not all people with severe MS develop all of the symptoms, these represent the range of potential problems ahead. 

Coping & Helping

There’s no question that people with MS and their families experience ongoing stress, worry, fear, and sometimes guilt. As you understand what a person is experiencing, you can find the best possible course of care, one where you’re supported too. From providing transportation to medical appointments and medication reminders to helping with everyday chores, a home caregiver aid is a support unit. 

You don’t have to try to do everything by yourself. Reach out to the professionals at
AmeriBest Home Care by filling out our contact form or by email: info@ameribest.org. You can also call one of our two offices: 

Philadelphia, PA 215-925-3313 

Harrisburg, PA 717-545-2920

or 1-800-HOMECARE

Do Your Parents Need Home Care Help? Be Mindful of These Signs

Do Your Parents Need Home Care Help Be Mindful of These Signs

Your parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle in Philadelphia might be in need of home care assistance yet too proud to ask for help. You can do your part to ensure your loved one lives with dignity by keeping an eye out for the common signs seniors display when in need of care. If you notice any of the signs detailed below, do not hesitate to ask for assistance from our Philadelphia and Allentown home care providers.

Alterations in Physical Appearance

Be particularly mindful of your loved one’s personal aesthetic. Even a slightly diminished personal appearance is an indication of a senior in need of assistance. Significant weight loss or weight gain is also a sign that his or her nutritional intake should be addressed with the assistance of a meal preparation assistant. 

Furthermore, if you spot bruising and the senior refuses to explain how those bruises occurred or cannot remember how they occurred, it is an indication that he or she suffered a fall. If your parent or other loved one has an odor, it is a sign that he/she failed to bathe properly and should be provided with home care that helps with mobility, bathing and personal grooming.

Mobility Limitations

A senior who fears the challenge of getting in/out of the shower or bathtub or a senior who does not want to get out of bed due to pain when moving, is in desperate need of a home healthcare assistant. The installation of grab bars along with a shower seat will certainly help yet it will not be enough in and of itself. A home care specialist who provides ongoing care and mobility assistance will help your loved one make the transition from bed to the bathroom, into the living room and possibly even outside.

Do Your Parents Need Home Care Help Be Mindful of These Signs

Mood Alterations and Forgetfulness

Though identifying depression in senior citizens is not easy, those who pay close attention to their parent or other loved one will be able to identify changes in outlook and demeanor that indicate depression. Money woes, health issues and the lack of friendships negatively influences mood. If your loved one is more irritable, lacks energy or no longer has interest in the activities he or she enjoyed in prior years, it is a sign of depression.

If you notice alterations in your loved one’s memory, an increase in forgetfulness or the mismanagement of medication, it is an indication of dementia. There is also a chance your family member is suffering from both depression and dementia at the same time. 

Assistance from a home care provider will lift your loved one’s spirit, give him/her something to look forward to and also prevent a spiraling depression that leads to suicidal thoughts. Home care service also provides invaluable reminders pertaining to medication, ensuring your family member takes his or her medication at the scheduled times every single day without exception.

AmeriBest Home Care is Here to Help

If you recognize the signs detailed above that indicate your parent needs home care, contact our Philadelphia home care specialists today. You can reach our home care providers by phone at 1-800-HOMECARE or by email at info@ameribest.org

Do Your Parents Need Home Care Help Be Mindful of These Signs

National Cholesterol Education Month With the CDC

National Cholesterol Education Month With the CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated September as National Cholesterol Education Month. Cholesterol levels are often neglected as most people don’t want to make the dietary and life changes necessary for optimal health. However, the longer your cholesterol level remains elevated, the greater your chances are of suffering a serious health problem. Let’s take a quick look at why everyone living in and near Philadelphia should do what they can to keep their cholesterol level at a healthy level.

A Brief Explanation of Cholesterol’s Importance and Potential Harm

Cholesterol is a perfectly natural part of biological functionality. If cholesterol were not present, the human body would not be capable of creating healthy cells. However, there is good and bad cholesterol. The good variety, high-density lipoprotein, known by the acronym of HDL, assists in the elimination of the bad cholesterol from the body. Bad cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, referred to with the acronym of LDL, causes plaque to form in the arteries, heightening the chances of vascular problems, heart disease, clots, and even heart attack or stroke.

When Should Cholesterol Be Checked?

In an ideal world, cholesterol will be checked much sooner than it actually is. The average person living in Philadelphia waits until there is a serious health problem to address a cholesterol problem. Some people refuse to go to the doctor, meaning they don’t even know their cholesterol is high.

Adolescents and kids should have their cholesterol levels gauged by a medical professional. Those age 20 on up should have their cholesterol level checked once in every 4-6 years. However, those who have a high risk for cardiovascular disease due to genetics or lifestyle flaws (hamburger and fries, anyone?) should have their cholesterol checked every couple of years or even annually.

National Cholesterol Education Month With the CDC

Cholesterol in the Context of Race

Did you know that African-Americans are much more likely to have higher cholesterol levels than members of other races? In particular, African-American men are likely to have elevated cholesterol. This comparably high level is the result of a unique form of a gene found in African-Americans.

Tips To Keep Your Cholesterol Under Control

The most important thing you can do to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level is practice mindful eating and maintain a healthy diet.

Do not eat mindlessly in front of the TV or computer! Read food ingredient labels when shopping for groceries. Zero in on food products that do not contain trans fats. Trans fats elevate cholesterol and even damage the heart if consumed in excess or at a high frequency.

It will also help to prepare food the right way. Cut the fat and skin off from fish and meat prior to cooking it. This approach maximizes your protein intake while minimizing the amount of fat consumed. Instead of deep fat frying or breading your food, opt to poach, bake or broil it. Choose a healthy cooking method and you will have done your part to minimize your fat consumption, ultimately keeping your cholesterol in check.

Establishing a consistent workout routine also helps to lower your cholesterol. Exercise on most days of the week to feel the difference. Weight management also helps.

Quit smoking – within just one year of quitting, your risk of heart disease will be half that of a smoker!

Drink alcohol in moderation – surprisingly enough, moderate use of alcohol is linked with higher levels of HDL (the “good”) cholesterol.

Get Assistance With AmeriBest Home Care of Philadelphia

We are eager to provide you or your loved one in the greater Philadelphia area with assistance. Our home care services are held in high regard by our local community. Give us a call today at 215-925-3313, reach out to us via email at info@ameribest.org, or contact our team online to find out more about how we can help improve your quality of life with expert home care.

 

National Recovery Month With Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

National Recovery Month With Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

September marks the start of the Philadelphia Eagles’ season yet this month is also quite important for those struggling with substance abuse and those who have recovered from addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA for short, has designated September as National Recovery Month. This is the time of year when we raise awareness about substance abuse in seniors.

Risk Factors of Substance Abuse in Seniors for their Caregivers

Most people living in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond assume substance abuse is primarily a problem amongst teens, twenty-somethings, and other young adults. The truth is senior citizens are just as vulnerable to developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol as others. In particular, senior citizens dealing with chronic pain have a tendency to abuse pain relief medication, alcohol, and additional substances.

Risk factors include:

  • Being white
  • Having higher income
  • Living alone
  • Losing a spouse
  • Retiring unexpectedly/being laid off
  • Having chronic pains
  • Being disabled
  • Having a history of mental illness or substance abuse

If you notice the senior in your life requires more medication than they used to, drinks alone, or is secretive about drinking, it is a sign that he or she needs professional substance abuse counseling.

How To Support Someone in Their Recovery Effort

An elderly individual or any other person struggling to stay sober is in need of help yet unwilling or unsure of how to ask for it. You can help in subtle ways. Do not immediately resort to an intervention with a substance abuse counselor. A forced intervention is a last resort. 

Instead of performing a forced intervention, start by educating yourself about the problem. Get a sense of whether the individual’s use of a particular substance is harmful to him/herself or others. If you don’t know much about substance abuse, read up on the subject on the web or at your local library. Do not persuade your loved one to completely abstain from the substance in question right away. Encourage gradual weaning off of the substance for incremental progress that eventually leads to sobriety. 

Ask for Professional Assistance

National Recovery Month With Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Most attempts at “do it yourself” (DIY) sobriety do not work. Even if a family member or friend provides support, the person with drug dependence will likely need professional substance abuse counseling. All sorts of groups from Alcoholics Anonymous to Nar-Anon for those addicted to illegal and prescription drugs are ready and willing to help. Nudge your loved one in the direction of such a counselor. 

Consider attending counseling sessions with the senior, caregiver, or other friends/family member if he or she needs additional support in the quest for sobriety. In some cases, simply discussing the addiction with a professional counselor builds momentum to the point that the person with drug dependence is willing to take the next step toward returning his/her life to normal.

Coordinate AmeriBest Home Care Service at Your Home

If you need assistance with the challenges of daily living, contact our Philadelphia home care services providers today. Our caring team provides extensive home care services.  This service liberates current care providers to return to normal living. If you live in the greater Philadelphia area and need home care assistance, reach out to us today at 215-925-3313, send us an email at  info@ameribest.org or contact us through our convenient online contact form.

 

What You Need To Know About the Delta Variant

What You Need To Know About the Delta Variant

Turn on the nightly news and you are sure to hear mention of the Delta variant of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. AmeriBest Home Care is proud to provide PPE, medical supplies, and ongoing support to our caregivers during this difficult time. We go to great lengths to ensure each of our Philadelphia homecare providers is healthy and perfectly safe to be around. Between disinfecting, social distancing, and testing, AmeriBest has implemented extensive measures to protect our team and our clients. 

Recognize the Threat That Is the Delta Variant

The masses ditched their face masks earlier this summer, declaring the pandemic to be over. Unfortunately, those masks will likely be put back on due to the rise of the Delta variant. There is the potential for COVID-19 to morph into even more variants in the days, weeks, and months ahead. 

Delta is a major problem as it is highly contagious. Delta is more contagious than the common cold. Furthermore, Delta is even more contagious than Ebola, SARS, MERS, and influenza. The latest information indicates Delta is also just as contagious as chickenpox. The variant has become the predominant variant in the United States, meaning it is in the Philadelphia community and also surrounding communities. 

Who Is Feeling Delta’s Wrath the Most?

The unvaccinated are in Delta’s crosshairs. Those who have not yet received the vaccine jab are much more likely to suffer serious illness, be hospitalized, and pass away after contracting the Delta variant than those who are fully vaccinated. Though the vaccinated can transmit the Delta variant, the CDC does not believe the vaccinated can transmit other variants.

Delta Might Cause a Hyperlocal Outbreak

Delta has the potential to accelerate the ongoing pandemic as it is highly transmissible. Those living in dense urban areas where practicing social distancing is challenging and those in areas with minimal vaccination might experience a hyperlocalized outbreak. Such outbreaks are likely to be that much more common in areas with low vaccination rates that are surrounded by areas with comparably high vaccination rates. In other words, such hyperlocal outbreaks might generate some COVID hotspots throughout the United States.

Delta Variant

Delta Continues To Reveal New Information

The puzzle of the Delta variant is still being put together by the brightest minds in the medical industry. Scientists are unsure if Delta causes more significant sickness than the original version of the virus. A study conducted in Scotland states the Delta variant is two times more likely to cause hospitalization in unvaccinated people than the Alpha variant. However, other data shows the variant is unlikely to cause the hospitalization of the unvaccinated. 

The medical community is also continuing to learn more about the symptoms of the Delta variant. It appears as though losing the sense of smell and frequently coughing are not as common of symptoms as occur with the original virus. Data stemming from the United Kingdom, where Delta wreaked havoc, shows that headaches, fever, runny noses, and sore throats are the most common symptoms.

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